The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has banned the sale of alcohol in Maiduguri and surrounding areas, accusing security personnel of contributing to crime and antisocial behaviour.
He claimed that both current and former members of the military and other security agencies have influenced civilians towards criminal activities, including radicalism, prostitution, and other vices that fuel terrorism in the state.
Zulum made these remarks while inaugurating a reconstituted committee tasked with shutting down illegal hotels, brothels, and criminal hideouts.
Speaking at the event, he stressed that no one, including dismissed or serving security officers, should be exempt from the law if Maiduguri and Borno State are to overcome insurgency and crime.
The governor explained that the ban on alcohol was necessary due to rising cases of violence among rival groups, cult activities, prostitution, drug abuse, and theft, which have caused loss of lives and property.
The new committee includes members of the military, police, civil defence, and the civilian joint task force, aiming for a coordinated effort to tackle these issues.
A committee co-chair acknowledged the serious security challenges facing Maiduguri and outlined the next steps to address them.
